Rest In Peace: Here's A Look At Naya Rivera's Life Over The Years

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After a 5-day search for Naya Rivera, authorities were able to locate her body in the Ventura County Lake. While the details around her death are unknown, there is no doubt that her life has been taken way too soon. Naya Rivera was widely known for her 6 year run on the hit TV show Glee. She was an inspiration to the LGTBQ+ community because she was one of the first Latinx actresses to portray a lesbian in a major reoccurring role on a major network. Representation matters. But Naya was more than just an actress. At one point in her career she was signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist and released a single in 2013, “Sorry”, featuring rapper Big Sean.

Leading up to Naya’s body being found in the lake, her friends and family took to social media begging for a safe return. Ex boyfriend Tahj Mowry posted a lengthy message via Instagram praying for her safe return.

Glee co-star Amber Riley implored her followers to have some respect during the search for Naya. In a tweet she wrote, “Show some respect. All our energy is going toward helping find Naya and praying for her safe return and for her family. No one owes anyone online a performance of grief. This is very real and devastating. Focus on Naya and her family. Not us. We don’t matter right now.”

Naya was also known for her high-profile relationship with Big Sean. The two quickly dated, got engaged, and broke up in the span of a year. She later married actor Ryan Dorsey, with whom she had her first child. At 33-years-young, Naya Rivera leaves behind a 4 year old son. She was a beautiful, young, talented woman with an extraordinary flare for fashion. She always hit the red carpet in pieces that draped her body perfectly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rivera and Dorsey family. In honor of her memory, we’re taking a look at her career over the years.

1. Naya Rivera, Bryton James Appearing In 'Family Matters'

Los Angeles, CA – 1993: (L-R) Naya Rivera, Bryton James appearing in the ABC tv series ‘Family Matters’, episode ‘Heart Strings’. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,usa,california,city of los angeles,1990-1999,naya rivera,bryton mcclure

2. Naya Rivera, Bryton James Appearing In 'Family Matters'

Los Angeles, CA – 1992: (L-R) Naya Rivera, Bryton James appearing in the ABC tv series ‘Family Matters’, episode ‘Just One Date’. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,california,city of los angeles,1990-1999,naya rivera,bryton mcclure

3. ARNOLD JOHNSON;ROSETTA LENOIRE;NAYA RIVERA;BRYTON JAMES;EXTRAS

FAMILY MATTERS – “Mama’s Wedding” – Airdate: March 5, 1993. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) ARNOLD JOHNSON;ROSETTA LENOIRE;NAYA RIVERA;BRYTON JAMES;EXTRAS vertical,arts culture and entertainment,usa,television show,california,city of los angeles,1990-1999,naya rivera,bryton mcclure

4. Naya Rivera on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Naya Rivera on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air the fresh prince of bel-air,naya rivera

5. NAYA RIVERA AT THE LA PREMIERE OF BANDSLAM, 2009

A younger Naya Rivera arrived to the Los Angeles premiere of “Bandslam” in a cute, white, bardot dress.

6. NAYA RIVERA AT THE JHRTS 7TH ANNUAL "YOUNG HOLLYWOOD" HOLIDAY PARTY, 2009

Naya Rivera arrived to the Junior Hollywood Radio & Television Society’s 7th annual ‘Young Hollywood’ holiday party dressed is a little black dress with a feathered hem.

7. NAYA RIVERA AT FOX'S 300TH MUSICAL PERFORMANCE OF "GLEE", 2011

Naya Rivera stood alongside her co-stars Amber Riley and Heather Morris, during the 300th musical performance of GLEE.

8. NAYA RIVERA AT FOX'S GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS AFTER PARTY, 2011

Naya Rivera arrived to the FOX Golden Globes after party in a soft peach, strapless gown.

9. NAYA RIVERA AT THE YOUNF STORYTELLER 'S ANNUAL THE BIGGEST SHOW, 2012

Chic in pink! Naya Rivera arrived to the Young Storyteller’s Annual The Biggest Show event in a pink suit partnered with a white blouse and teal shoes.

10. NAYA RIVERA AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2013

Naya Rivera attended the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in a black gown with cut-outs on her waistline.

11. NAYA RIVERA AT THE CHRISTIAN SIRIANO FASHION SHOW, 2016

Naya Rivera attended the Fall 2016 Christian Siriano Fashion Show in a simple yet flawless black, two-piece suit.

12. NAYA RIVERA AT THE VANITY FAIR AND FIAT 'TOAST TO YOUNG HOLLYWOOD' EVENT, 2016

Naya Rivera attended the Vanity Fair And FIAT Toast To ‘Young Hollywood’ event in a form-fitting white gown with a deep V-neckline.

13. NAYA RIVERA AT THE 23RD ANNUAL RACE TO ERASE MS GALA, 2016

Naya Rivera arrived to the 23rd Annual Race To Erase MS Gala in a bright orange, floor-length gown.

14. NAYA RIVERA AT THE VANITY FAIR AND L'OREAL PARIS 'TOAST TO YOUNG HOLLYWOOD' EVENT, 2017

Naya Rivera attended Vanity Fair and L’Oreal Paris Toast to Young Hollywood in a sexy little black dress.

15. NAYA RIVERA AT THE MARCH OF DIMES: IMAGINE A WORLD PREMIERE EVENT

Naya Rivera arrived for the March Of Dimes: Imagine A World Premiere Event in a cute, printed skirt, partnered with a black top.

16. NAYA RIVERA AT THE WINTER TCA TOUR, 2018

Naya Rivera attended the YouTube portion of the 2018 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in a trendy graphic tee, mini skirt, and knee high boots.

17. NAYA RIVERA AT THE WOMEN'S GUILD CEDARS-SINAI ANNUAL GALA, 2019

Naya Rivera attended the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Annual Gala in a gorgeous, black silk gown.

18. NAYA RIVERA AT THE LA PREMIERE OF ROADSIDE ATTRACTION'S "JUDY", 2019

Naya Rivera gave animal instincts at the LA Premiere of Roadside Attraction’s “Judy”. The actress looked beautiful in an off-the-shoulder bodycon dress.

19. NAYA RIVERA AT THE WOMEN'S GUILD CEDARS-SINAI ANNUAL LUNCHEON, 2019

Naya Rivera attended the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Annual Luncheon looking chic as ever! The Starlett wore black trousers, a white crop top and an oversized blazer.

Rest In Peace: Here's A Look At Naya Rivera's Life Over The Years